/ Safety on social networks

Last updated on 19/1/2017 02:53:11 PM

Social Media

Most of us use social media! In fact, you may even be reading this on one of the many sites out there. It’s a great communication tool that’s really revolutionised the way we connect with people. There are also some BIG risks too but these can be minimised by following a few simple pieces of advice, you can find some of the key points in this video but it’s worth doing your own research too....

Greater Manchester Police have produced a series of ‘60 Second Security’ videos on simple security advice. They provide easy step-by-step tips, including advice on products and how to install and use them, helping to make you and your property that little bit safer.

Protect Your Privacy

Protect your personal information whether that is on the Internet or when you are using social networks. Privacy settings are important so make sure you and your children are using them. The Greater Manchester Police cadets have provided some messages of advice to help us all stay safe online.

Social networking has given us some exciting new ways of communicating with large numbers of people across the globe. We can access the sites from smartphones and tablet devices and don’t need to rely on traditional computers. This means social networks, blog sites, and chatrooms allow us to remotely contact people. Many of these people we don’t know and often we have no way of checking they are who they say they are.

Remember:

Make sure you use privacy settings on social networks. If you don’t know people don’t let them see your private information.

Make sure you use strong passwords that are updated regularly as it will reduce the likelihood of people being able to hack into your account

Never click on links that look odd or you don’t trust as it could be hackers trying to access your account or expose you to other risks such as viruses or Trojans

Don’t send personal data across social networks and remember if you post that you are on holiday they could trace your home

Don’t send private or intimate photographs of yourself as people may use them against you

Never post anything that you wouldn’t be happy for close family, friends or your employer to see

Future Employer

Don't post anything that you wouldn't be happy for close family, friends or future employers to see. The Greater Manchester Police cadets have provided some messages of advice to help us all stay safe online.

Going on Holiday

Be careful with personal details and updates that you post. If you tell people that you are away or on holiday criminals may be able to trace your home. The Greater Manchester Police cadets have provided some messages of advice to help us all stay safe online.

Think Twice

Always think before you post updates to social networks. Once they are published on Twitter, Facebook etc they will be available to anyone to see. The Greater Manchester Police cadets have provided some messages of advice to help us all stay safe online.